New Special Advisor to Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Announced

YELLOWKNIFE (July 3, 2007) – Ms. Gail Cyr has accepted the position of Special Advisor to the Minister effective today in the Department of the Executive, it was announced by the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Charles Dent.

Ms. Cyr brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role through her multiple collaborative efforts with organizations, associations and committees in the Northwest Territories over the past 30 years.“The Special Advisor plays a key role in helping the Government of the Northwest Territories ensure that the interests and concerns of all women are considered and reflected in our programs, policies and decisions,” said Minister Dent. “I am looking forward to working with Ms. Cyr in her new position and am confident that her extensive background and experience will prove valuable.”

The Special Advisor is the senior advisor on women’s equality issues for the whole of the Government of the Northwest Territories, providing expert advice to the Minister on a wide range of contemporary issues affecting Northern women. The Special Advisor works closely with women’s groups and agencies, such as the Status of Women Council of the NWT and the Native Women’s Association of the NWT, and government officials from across the country to advance women’s equality issues within and outside the NWT.

Along with professional expertise gained through her positions of Legislation and Elections Advisor at Municipal and Community Affairs, and Executive Director of NWT Native Court Workers Association, Ms. Cyr is well known as a past Alderman for the City of Yellowknife, and an active member St. John Ambulance and of the performing arts community.

For more information, contact:

Brad Poulter
Cabinet Communications
Office of the Premier
Tel: (867) 669-2302